Articling Student
“We clear away challenges so our clients can move forward with confidence.”
Forte Workplace Law is looking for an Articling Student for our growing workplace law firm. Our ideal candidate has a demonstrated interest in labour, employment and/or human rights law and has excellent communication skills.
As a firm, we advise workers, employers and unions. We do advisory work and represent clients in workplace-related civil claims, and in matters before the Employment Standards Branch, Human Rights Tribunal, Worksafe BC and labour arbitrations/Labour Board matters. We also conduct mediations and workplace investigations, and provide bystander and other training.
Forte Workplace Law lives by its values of kindness, courage, and heart through everyday interactions and relentless innovation. Forte Workplace Law was recently recognized by the International Institute of Legal Project Management (IILPM) for excellence in Legal Project Management and Legal Process Improvement success.
This position is for you if you value a kind approach to clients and team and a collaborative working environment. We believe we serve our community best by reflecting its diversity. We welcome applications from candidates from diverse backgrounds, cultures, and lived experiences, and from members of groups that are underrepresented in the legal industry.
Your Key Responsibilities
As an Articling Student at our firm, you will gain hands-on experience in all aspects of workplace law working closely with our experienced legal team. Your responsibilities will include:
- Conducting legal research and drafting legal memoranda, pleadings, and submissions.
- Assisting with workplace-related civil claims, including drafting demand letters, statements of claim, and responses.
- Supporting Employment Standards Branch, Human Rights Tribunal, WorkSafeBC, and Labour Board proceedings by preparing applications, responses, and evidence.
- Attending mediations, hearings, and client meetings to observe and participate in legal proceedings.
- Assisting with workplace investigations, including reviewing documents, conducting interviews, and preparing reports.
- Drafting and reviewing employment contracts, workplace policies, and training materials.
- Supporting the firm’s training initiatives, including bystander intervention and workplace harassment training.
- Managing case files, tracking deadlines, and ensuring compliance with procedural requirements.
- Collaborating with lawyers and clients to develop legal strategies and solutions.
Your Skills
To excel in this role, you should have:
- A Juris Doctor (J.D.) or Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) degree or certification from the National Committee on Accreditation (NCA).
- Enthusiasm about gaining experience in all aspects of workplace law, and a strong interest in employment and/or labour law, workplace investigations, and dispute resolution.
- Excellent legal research and analytical skills.
- Strong written and communication skills, with the ability to draft clear and persuasive legal documents.
- Attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple files in a fast-paced environment.
- A proactive and professional approach to client service and teamwork.
- The ability to handle sensitive workplace issues with discretion and professionalism.
- Experience interacting respectfully with a diverse population, including fielding inquiries and gathering information.
- Proficiency with legal research tools and case management software is an asset.
- Solid tech skills, including advanced skills in MS Office, experience working with document management systems (NetDocs is an asset) and experience formatting large documents including compiling exhibits.
- A curious nature, drive to take initiative, think things through and share your ideas.
This position is for full-time articles. Start date is flexible (anytime between now and June 1, 2025). Compensation will be a salary of $60,000 per year. We will pay required Law Society Admissions Program (LSAP) fees and will pay salary during Professional Legal Training Course (PLTC).
Forte Law’s main office is in South Surrey. We expect that the selected candidate will work from our Surrey office 4-5 days per week for at least the first few months of their articles to get familiar with our systems and to get to know our team. We are open to discussing this expectation if it is a barrier to any potential applicants. Long-term, we have proven, flexible work arrangements including hybrid and remote work. We also provide group benefits coverage, professional development funding, and other perks like firm wide retreats and a well stocked snack drawer.
What to Expect from Us
- Equity & Respect. We value each team member’s contributions and have a culture of autonomy and collaboration.
- Community & Giving. We support our team to give back through volunteer work.
- Inclusion. We are committed to making our practice inclusive, equitable, and accessible - for our team and also for our clients and those impacted by and involved in our work.
- Mentorship. We are committed to providing strong mentorship to help you grow as a lawyer and develop your career.
- Hands-On learning. You will gain invaluable experience working on a wide variety of workplace legal matters.
Application Process
To apply, please submit the following:
- Cover Letter outlining your interest in workplace law and in our firm specifically.
- Resume.
- Law School Transcripts.
- A Writing Sample (maximum of 10 pages, ideally showcasing your legal writing and research skills).
Applications can be submitted via email to info@fortelaw.ca with the subject line: Articling Student Application – [Your Name].
Applications close March 31, 2025.
Articling-Student-Job-Posting-FWL-2025-FINAL.pdf